1779- THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 301 



from the eastward during our stay, and the south-east 

 was more prevalent than any other. 



On our return, the 24th of August, the foliage of 

 the trees, and all other sorts of vegetation, seemed to 

 be in the utmost state of perfection. For the re- 

 mainder of this month, and through September, the 

 weather was very changeable, but in no respect se- 

 vere. The winds, at the beginning of the month, 

 were for the most part easterly, after which they got 

 round to the west. The greatest height of the ther- 

 mometer was 65°, the lowest 40°. The barometer's 

 greatest height 30°, its lowest 29° 3'. So that upon 

 the whole, during this month, an equal and moderate 

 degree of temperature prevailed. But at the begin- 

 ning of October, the tops of the hills were again cov- 

 ered with new-fallen snow, the wind continuing 

 westerly. 



In computing the seasons, the spring ought cer- 

 tainly not to be taken into the account. From the 

 middle of June to the middle of September may be 

 properly said to constitute the summer. October 

 may be considered as an autumnal month ; from 

 thence till the middle of June it is perfect winter. 

 It was toward the end of May that we made our 

 journey, between Bolcheretsk and Awat3ka, over the 

 snow in sledges. 



It is said that the climate, in the country adjoining 

 to the river Kamtschatka, is not less serene and tem- 

 perate than in many parts of Siberia that are under 

 the same latitude. This variation is probably owing 

 to the same causes, to which the superior fertility of 

 the soil in those parts has been before attributed. 

 But it is not in the sterility of the ground alone that 

 the Kamtschadales feel the unfavourable temperature 

 of their climate. The uncertainty of the summer 

 season sometimes prevents their laying up a sufficient 

 stock of dried fish for their winter's provision, and 

 the moisture of the air causes worms to breed in them, 

 which not unfrequently destroy the greatest part. 



